Habakkuk 3:2
What does Habakkuk 3:2 mean?
A plain-English look at Habakkuk 3:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Habakkuk 3:2 means
Habakkuk confesses that he has heard reports of God's mighty deeds, likely recalling the historical acts of deliverance and judgment, and this knowledge fills him with reverent fear. He then personalizes his plea, asking God to "revive thy work" in their present difficult situation. He longs for God to intervene powerfully again, making His presence and power known in the midst of their years of trouble. Crucially, he asks that even in God's righteous "wrath" against Judah's sin, He would "remember mercy," acknowledging God's justice but appealing to His gracious character.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000O Jehovah, I have heard the report of thee, and am afraid: O Jehovah, revive thy work in the midst of the years; In the midst of the years make it known; In wrath remember mercy.
KJV
King James Version · 1611O Lord, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid: O Lord, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901O Jehovah, I have heard the report of thee, and am afraid: O Jehovah, revive thy work in the midst of the years; In the midst of the years make it known; In wrath remember mercy.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949O Lord, word of you has come to my ears; I have seen your work, O Lord; when the years come near make it clear; in wrath keep mercy in mind.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862O Jehovah, I heard thy report, I have been afraid, O Jehovah, Thy work! in midst of years revive it, In the midst of years Thou makest known In anger Thou dost remember mercy.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752O Lord, I have heard thy hearing, and was afraid. O Lord, thy work, in the midst of the years bring it to life: In the midst of the years thou shalt make it known: when thou art angry, thou wilt remember mercy.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Jehovah, I heard the report of thee, [and] I feared. Jehovah, revive thy work in the midst of the years, In the midst of the years make [it] known: In wrath remember mercy!
Context
Having established the chapter as a prayer, verse 2 immediately dives into Habakkuk's personal spiritual state and his primary petitions. It follows the opening title and precedes a magnificent descriptive vision of God's historical interventions. This verse is key because it articulates the prophet's fear, his desire for revival, and his earnest plea for God's mercy amidst the impending judgment, setting the stage for the powerful imagery that follows as the basis for his hope.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 119:120
My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; And I am afraid of thy judgments. ע AYIN.
- Numbers 16:46
And Moses said unto Aaron, Take thy censer, and put fire therein from off the altar, and lay incense thereon, and carry it quickly unto the congregation, and make atonement for them: for there is wrath gone out from Jehovah; the plague is begun.
- Hosea 6:2
After two days will he revive us: on the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live before him.
- Psalms 138:7
Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me; Thou wilt stretch forth thy hand against the wrath of mine enemies, And thy right hand will save me.
- Psalms 44:1
We have heard with our ears, O God, Our fathers have told us, What work thou didst in their days, In the days of old.
- Habakkuk 1:5
Behold ye among the nations, and look, and wonder marvellously; for I am working a work in your days, which ye will not believe though it be told you.
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